Multi-device supervisor support for self-checkout systems

ABSTRACT

A customer self-checkout system includes one or more checkout stations and multiple supervisor terminals. The supervisor terminals provide support to, and control over, the self-checkout system and checkout stations. The supervisory terminals may be wireless terminals that can capture self-checkout customer identification information including signatures, fingerprints, images, and other forms of identification.

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/060,423, filed Jan. 30, 2002, and entitled “Multi-DeviceSupervisor Support For Self-Checkout Systems” and claims the benefit ofthe filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/266,000which was filed on Feb. 2, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past few decades, retail point-of-sale (“POS”) systems havebeen greatly automated to expedite the checkout process. Computer-basedPOS systems are now common in the retail environment. Such systemsinclude one or more checkout terminals (i.e., checkout stations orcomputerized “cash” registers) and a database of prices, inventory andother information related to the items for purchase. Each checkoutstation typically includes a bar code scanner which can detect a machinereadable bar code on the packaging to identify a scanned item. When anitem is scanned, the scanner sends a signal corresponding to the productnumber of the item to a data processing component of the POS system,which then obtains from the database information relating to the scanneditem such as price and description.

More recently, self-checkout systems (such as the U-Scan Express®available from Optimal Robotics Corp.) have come into use. Self-checkoutsystems include self-checkout stations (each of which typically includesa bar code scanner with an integrated scale) that allow customers toscan bar codes on the items they are purchasing. The checkout stationalso has other input and output devices (such as an alpha-numerickeypad, a video camera unit and a display). These systems allowcustomers to directly perform checkout activities such as scanningbarcoded items, selecting modes of payment (e.g., credit or debit card),carrying out payment using automated payment accepting means (e.g.,credit or debit card readers), and requesting explanations on how to usethe checkout station.

The self-checkout station may have a signaling device (e.g., a callbutton, an “Assist” key on a keypad, a phone, or other device) for useby the customer to request assistance. Assistance may be required when,for example, a non-bar coded item is to be processed. This assistancerequest may be sent to, and processed at, a supervisory terminal. Thesupervisory terminal permits a store employee (i.e., a supervisoryemployee) to perform a range of supervisory activities overseeing andcontrolling checkout at the self-checkout stations. Supervisory terminalhardware may include, among other things, a video display used todisplay video images (e.g., from a video camera or other imaging deviceat a checkout station), a touch screen, a POS keyboard, a PC keyboard, areceipt printer, and a cash drawer.

Supervisory activities include, among others, providing authorizationwhen a customer is purchasing an item not bearing a barcode (such asproduce). Prior to making an authorization, the supervisor may make avisual identification of the item and input at a supervisory terminal acode identifying the item. Supervisory activities also include makingdecisions when the checkout station detects a discrepancy between theactual weight of an item and the expected weight of that item (“weightviolation”). Weight violation activities of the supervisor typicallyinvolve either clearing the violation to allow the purchase or removingthe item from the order (hereinafter, “voiding the item”) and asking thecustomer to try again. A supervisor may also provide explanations tocustomers on how to use the checkout station and check out items onbehalf of the customer, (such as when the items are too heavy or toolarge to be scanned by a fixed barcode reader mounted on the checkoutstation or when the customer seeks assistance for completing thecheckout). Additional activities include enabling and disablingoperations at the checkout stations, video surveillance of the customeractivities, use of a cash drawer to accept cash payment and dispensechange, printing a cashier receipt, printing end-of-day, end-of-week andend-of-month reports, and other software or system maintenanceactivities.

In some self-checkout systems, a video monitoring system may also beincluded to help the supervisor oversee customer checkout activities andto assist the customer. A video camera unit at the self-checkout stationcan be used, e.g., to capture an image of a non-bar coded item fordisplay at the supervisor station. This allows the supervisory employeeto view the item and enter the appropriate code.

A number of different user interface modes can be made available on thesupervisory terminals. For example, the U-Scan Express system supports“Direct” and “Mini Direct” interface modes to carry out functions suchas checkout and voiding of items on behalf of the customer. The DirectMode interface displays a graphical keyboard using a touch screen at thesupervisory terminal. This graphical keyboard replicates the keyboard atthe checkout station. The supervisor user can carry out most functionsnormally executed at a cash register by using (touching) the graphicalkeyboard keys. A special key may be provided to close Direct Mode andreturn to normal operations on the supervisory terminal. Direct Modeallows the supervisor to carry out POS operations, including those notrequired or supported by a self-checkout system, without leavingphysical proximity of the supervisory terminal and without having anactual POS terminal mounted on the supervisory terminal.

Another supported interface, known as a Mini Direct Mode interface, usesa display that allows the supervisor to carry out POS operations such asreporting and other functions which may not be supported by aself-checkout station, while retaining a display interface used tosupervise the self-checkout stations. A visual indicator (e.g., changeof background color on the display) tells the user that Mini Direct Modeis active. In the Mini Direct Mode, input from an actual POS keyboard,mounted on the supervisory terminal, may be accepted. The user can carryout substantially all functions normally available at a checkout stationby use of the POS keyboard. A special graphical key may be provided forclosing Mini Direct Mode and returning to normal operations on thesupervisory terminal.

A number of self-checkout systems are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.5,083,638; 5,115,888; 5,123,494; 5,125,465 and 5,168,961.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a self-checkout system. The systemincludes one or more customer members (i.e., checkout stations), and anynumber of supervisory members (i.e., supervisory terminals). Eachsupervisory terminal is operated to conduct a corresponding set ofsupervisory activities over operations at the checkout stations.

The supervisory terminal has a network interface for communicating withat least one checkout station through at least one of an electricalmedium, a radio frequency (RF) medium and an optical medium. Aself-checkout system can support multiple types of supervisoryterminals, such as fixed supervisory terminals and mobile supervisoryterminals (implemented, e.g., using a hand-held computer coupled to awireless network). In addition, implementations may include specializedsupervisory terminals with limited user input devices. For example, a“pager size” supervisory terminal, small enough to be worn comfortablyby a user, can be used to provide an alerting signal to a storeemployee. The supervisor thus knows when to return to the physicalproximity of the system.

Multiple supervisory terminal implementations can be made available toallow the supervisory employee to use a selected supervisory terminalwith the highest convenience or utility under a specific set ofcircumstances. The multiple supervisory terminals can include astationary supervisory terminal, specialized stationary supervisoryterminal, a mobile supervisory terminal, and a compact mobile warningsupervisory terminal. Each terminal type can be offered with a varietyof different input and display peripherals. For example, the terminalscan include keypads, touch screens, still video and motion video inputdevices, signature capture interfaces, and biometric input devices suchas fingerprint sensors.

Different supervisory terminal implementations can provide improvedflexibility for providing supervisory activities over the self-checkoutsystem. For example, if a weight violation occurs at one checkoutstation while the supervisor is physically located at another checkoutstation, the supervisor need not walk back to the stationary supervisoryterminal to provide supervisory activity. Instead, the supervisor mayclear the weight violation by swiping a transponder card in front of atransponder card reader mounted on a specialized stationary terminallocated near or on the checkout station. If, at the same time, adifferent checkout station requires a non-barcoded item approval whilethe supervisor is still providing support over the weight violation, thesupervisor, with line-of-sight view of the non-barcoded item, can e.g.,pick up a mobile supervisory terminal from his or her shirt pocket toprovide the approval.

A supervisory communications controller can control communicationsbetween checkout stations and supervisory terminals to prevent theprocessing of conflicting supervisory signals (e.g., if differentsupervisors at different supervisory terminals enter conflicting controlover a customer terminal). Similarly, if a customer signature isrequired, and the self-checkout station being used by the customer doesnot include an operational signature capture device (either because ofdevice failure or because the station simply lacks signature capture),then a message can be transmitted to one or more mobile stations that doinclude a signature capture input device and the user can provide thesignature at a mobile supervisory terminal.

The ability of the supervisor to choose between multiple supervisoryterminals with different physical characteristics allows for quickerresponse to situations that require supervisor intervention. This canreduce the time spent by the customer at the self-checkout station andthe time spent by the supervisor on each order. This coordination ofsupervisory activities also allows the supervisor to reduce idle timespent watching the system while stations are not in use. This isachieved by selecting the supervisory terminal which meets the demand ofthe situation in terms of movement and efficiency of the human-machineinterface. For instance, using the mobile warning supervisory terminal,the supervisor may leave the physical proximity of the self-checkoutsystem when customers are not present or when no supervisor activity isneeded. This allows for more efficient utilization of supervisoryemployee resources.

Each supervisory terminal in the self-checkout system may provide acorresponding one of various combinations of mobility and functionalcompleteness with regards to the set of possible supervisory activities.At any point in time, a supervisory employee may choose from among theavailable supervisory terminals in order to provide a response tosituations that require supervisor intervention.

In some implementations, such as handheld supervisory terminals, asimplified user interface mode (referred to herein as “Tiny DirectMode”) can be used to process input from a supervisor. The Tiny DirectMode interface is suitable for use with reduced-size input devices. Forexample, a 14-key keypad (including a “Cancel,” a “Void,” a “Clear,” a“Enter” and ten digit keys) can be used. Tiny Direct Mode implements asystem of simple prompts allowing a supervisor to control a range ofcheckout station operations using the reduced-size input device. TinyDirect Mode implementations may process input using the steps of (a)displaying information on why a code entry is required, (b) detectingentry of digits corresponding to a code, (c) detecting a Cancel commandand, when the Cancel command is detected, canceling a current operation,(d) detecting a Void command and, when the Void command is detected,voiding the code, (e) detecting a Clear command and, when the Clearcommand is detected, clearing the digits detected in step (b), and (f)detecting an Enter command and, when the Enter command is detected,entering the digits detected in step (b) as the code.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show block diagrams of self-checkout systems.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method for providing a mobile supervisoryterminal interface.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for providing supervisory supportin a self-checkout system.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary lane selection screen.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary weight violation screen.

FIG. 7 shows a graphical 14-key keypad.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method for an identity capture processimplemented using a mobile supervisory terminal.

FIG. 9 shows an interface screen for use in the identity capture processof FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Self-checkout systems 100 of FIG. 1 and 200 of FIG. 2 can include one ormore checkout stations 110-113, 210-213 which are each coupled tomultiple supervisory terminals 126-132, 226-232. Each of the supervisoryterminals can exert supervisory control over the checkout stations.Terminals 126-132, 226-232 can include small terminals 126-129, 226-229mounted on or near the checkout station, as well as “full-sized”terminals 130, 230 mobile 131, 231, and pager-sized terminals 132, 232.In some cases, a terminal (e.g., 126-129, 226-229) may have a dedicatedfunction, such as clearing transactions. For example, the terminal 126may have a transponder-card reader allowing a supervisor to simply swipea security card to clear a transaction.

To coordinate the control of the checkout stations by supervisoryterminals, and to prevent conflicting control instructions, the controlsignals exchanged between the checkout stations and supervisoryterminals are managed by a supervisory communications controller122-125, 222. FIG. 1 shows an implementation in which the controller122-125 is local to each station 110-113, while FIG. 2 shows animplementation in which a centralized controller 222 is used. The localcontroller 122-125 may be an integrated element of the checkoutstation's hardware and software system while the controller 222 may becoupled to the checkout station by a data network (e.g., an Ethernet,Token Ring, or IEEE 802.11b network).

When supervisory control over a checkout station is required, thecheckout station's signal processor circuitry 114-117, 214-217 (whichmay include, e.g., a microprocessor, data storage and other hardware,software, and associated interfaces) generates a supervisory requestmessage that is transmitted to the supervisory communications controller122-125, 222. The supervisory request message can include dataindicating the nature of the requested supervisory assistance. Forexample, the supervisory request message may include parametersindicating that the message was generated in response to a customerpressing a “Help” button or upon detection of a weight violation at thecheckout station. Other supervisory activities may also be reported. Thecommunications controller then distributes the supervisory requestmessage to the supervisory terminals (in some implementations, themessage format or contents may be modified and message parametersprocessed at the communications controller 122-125, 222 prior to suchdistribution).

Referring now to FIG. 1, the self-checkout system 100 includes bothlocal supervisory terminals 126-129 and shared terminals 230-232. Thelocal terminals 126-129 are directly connected to a corresponding one ofthe checkout stations 110-113 via the station's local communicationscontroller 122-125, respectively, and can exercise control over thedirectly connected checkout station. Shared supervisory terminals130-132 are each coupled to multiple checkout stations and can switchbetween, and assert control over, the multiple checkout stations110-113. When a supervisory action is required at a checkout station,e.g., station 110, signals (i.e., data messages) are sent from thestation's controller 122 to its local terminal 126 as well as to each ofthe shared supervisory terminals 130-132. The signal can be processed atthe supervisory terminal to generate an alert informing a supervisor ofthe need for assistance. The signal may also identify the specificaction requested. In some implementations, the controllers 122-125, 222manage interaction with the multiple supervisory terminals to allow afirst reply from a supervisory terminal to be accepted in response tothe request for assistance.

Referring now to FIG. 2, as in system 100, the self-checkout system 200includes both local supervisory terminals 226-229 and shared terminals230-232. However, in the system 200, coordination of supervisoryactivities controlling and assisting customer checkout is provided usinga common centralized communications controller 222 in place of themultiple local controllers 122-125. The supervisory terminals 226-232communicate with the checkout stations 210-213 through the centralcontroller 222.

A communications controller 122-125, 222 can communicate a request tosupervisory terminals 130-132, 230-232 such that the shared supervisoryterminals 130-132 and 230-232 each receive the request. To do so, a“broadcast” request may be used. Alternatively a communicationscontroller 122-125 or 222 may generate and send a unique message to eachof the terminals. The controllers 122-125, 222 may also route request tolocal terminals 126-229, 226-229 such that only the terminal directlyconnected to the requesting customer station will receive the request.The controller then waits for a response from a supervisory terminal. Ifresponses are generated by multiple supervisory terminals (e.g., ifmultiple supervisors each attempt to respond), the communicationscontroller will perform an arbitration function to determine theresponse or responses used to control the checkout station. In oneimplementation, the controller may simply accept a response from thefirst responding supervisory terminal. In some cases, additionalresponses may also be accepted if they do not conflict with the firstresponse and are still relevant, but will be ignored if the responsesare no longer relevant (such as a weight violation that has already beencleared). Alternatively, timeout mechanisms may be used to determinewhen an outstanding request is no longer relevant. For example, afterthe first broadcast of a supervisory request message, the controller mayre-broadcast the request every 100 milliseconds until a supervisoryterminal provides a response. If a supervisory terminal does not receiveat least one request from the terminal within a timeout window (e.g., a500 millisecond window), a time-out will occur. That is, the supervisoryterminal will infer that the request was responded to by anothersupervisory terminal and, therefore, will no longer accept inputresponsive to the timed-out request (i.e., the request will be removedfrom a list of outstanding request maintained by the supervisoryterminal). In the case of system 100, the supervisory terminalscommunicate responses directly back to the checkout station'scommunications controller while in the system 200 responses flow backthrough the central controller 222.

As an example, a broadcast request message may be distributed tosupervisory terminals 126 and 130-132, thereby alerting multiplesupervisors of the customer's need for assistance. After the broadcastrequest is transmitted, the controller 122 will wait for a first one ofthe supervisory terminals to respond to the request (i.e., to accept therequest). In some implementations, upon receiving notice of an acceptedbroadcast request from a first terminal (e.g., terminal 132), thecontroller 122 may send a message to non-accepting terminals (e.g., 126,130-131) canceling the outstanding broadcast request. This prevents anoutdated supervisory request from remaining displayed at thenon-accepting terminals 126, 130-131. Once a broadcast request isaccepted by a terminal, the controller 122 may store data identifyingthe accepting supervisory terminal to thereafter manage the flow of databetween the customer checkout station 110 and that supervisory terminal.

Supervisory activity over a checkout station can also be initiated atany of the shared supervisory terminals 130-132, 230-232 or at acheckout station's local supervisory terminals 126-129, 226-229. Thismay be done without the need for a request for supervisory activity fromthe checkout station. Control of a checkout station may be initiated ata supervisory terminal using a switch, button, software functions orother checkout station selector to select the checkout station undercontrol. For example, FIG. 5, described below, shows an interfaceallowing selection of one of four checkout lanes (i.e., checkoutstations) to be controlled. The supervisory terminal will thereafterinitiate contact with the checkout systems to be controlled. In thesystem 100, the supervisory terminal 130-132 will initiate communicationdirectly with the controller 122-125 of the selected station 110-113. Ina centralized controller system 200, the terminal 126-132 willcommunicate the request to the controller 222 which will thereaftercoordinate supervisory activity and will initiate and provide thecommunication of signals between the supervisory terminal and thecorresponding checkout station 210-213. In some implementations, asupervisor may switch between checkout stations being controlled at anypoint in time using the checkout station selector.

Different controller implementations may use different algorithms, ormodes, to distribute and coordinate signals among the supervisoryterminals and the checkout stations. In some implementations, allsupervisory terminals can be active at the same time. Thus, thesupervisory employee can use any one without constraints or delays. Anysupervisory terminal can also be disabled to prevent passers-by frommaking unauthorized or inadvertent use of the system. In addition, thesupervisory employee can enable a disabled terminal before using it.Activation can be explicit, such as by use of a key or entry of apassword, or may be implicit, such as by swiping a transponder ormagnetic card at a reader on terminal 126-129, 226-229 to void an item.

The supervisory terminals have input devices (e.g., keypads, touchscreens, buttons or switches), used by the supervisor to start and stopusing the terminal. The input generates corresponding signals to bereceived by the supervisory communications controllers 122-126, 222 overa communications network 101, 201. In response, the communicationscontroller can either accept input from the supervisory terminal orreject the attempt to connect (the particular response may depend on thecurrent mode of operation). Controller 122-126, 222 and system 100, 200implementations may support different modes of coordination among thecheckout stations and supervisory terminals. Representative modes ofcoordination include simultaneous, mutually exclusive, preemptive andmixed.

In a simultaneous coordination mode, all supervisory terminals in theself-checkout system 100, 200 may be active for use. Accordingly, thereis no specific signal generated when the supervisor decides to switchbetween them. In a mutually exclusive mode, only one supervisoryterminal is active to control a checkout station at a time. Thus, in themutually exclusive mode, a supervisory terminal can accept and processcommands for a checkout station only when no other supervisory terminalis active to control that checkout station. A display or other visualindicator to indicate the state of the terminal as active or inactivecan also be included. Preemptive mode is a variation of the mutuallyexclusive mode. In the preemptive mode, an attempt to activate onesupervisory terminal causes the controller 122-126, 222 to attempt todeactivate any currently active supervisory terminal. This attempt mayfail (i.e., the controller 122-126, 222 may reject this attempt) if thecurrently active supervisory terminal is processing an activity thatcannot be interrupted and declines the attempt. A mixed mode isessentially either a mutually exclusive mode or a preemptive mode withthe feature that certain other specific supervisory terminals may beallowed to be active simultaneously. For example, a mixed mode may beentered for a compact mobile warning supervisory terminal 132 to warnthe supervisor of the beginning of customer activity at a checkoutstation 110.

Specialized stationary supervisory member 126-129, 226-229 may beprovided for circumstances in which the supervisor is, for example, inphysical proximity to the checkout station. A supervisor may useterminals 126-129, 226-229 by, e.g., swiping a transponder card in orderto authorize a weight violation. Other input devices such as a keypad orkeyswitch may also be used in a terminal 126-129, 226-229. In someimplementations, for example, in FIG. 1, each terminal 126-129, 226-229may be dedicated to providing support over a specific checkout station.In other implementations, the terminals 126-129, 226-229 may controlmultiple checkout stations.

The systems 100, 200 can support a range of supervisory terminal types,each of which may provide different sets of functions. For example,full-function stationary terminals 130, 230, mobile terminals 131, 231,and special-function compact pager-like terminals 132, 232 can be used.The mobile supervisory terminal 131, 231 may be based on a laptop orhand-held, battery-powered computer with a barcode reader, a touchscreen, a sound generator and wireless communications capability. Acompact mobile warning supervisory terminal 132, 232 may also beprovided. The features supported by a particular terminal type can varydepending, e.g., on size, cost, power, convenience, security, or otherreasons.

A compact mobile warning supervisory terminal 132, 232 may beimplemented using a pager-sized device. A pager-sized terminal 132, 232is battery powered and communicates wirelessly with the self checkoutsystem via wireless network interface 101, 201. In some cases, eachcommunication controller 122-125, 222 may also have an interface to astandard pager network allowing signals exchanged over a conventionalpager network to be used. Terminals 132, 232 may have the ability todisplay a small string of text, or may include a vibrating or otheraudio/visual device. e.g., an indication of operations at theself-checkout system. Indications may be generated, e.g., upon use of acheckout station or on request for supervisory activity from a checkoutstation 110. The pager-sized device may be used, e.g., for generalsurveillance purposes (e.g., to alert a supervisor of activity when thesupervisor is not in physical proximity to a checkout station).

In some implementations, a supervisory terminal may be equipped with arelatively limited selection of interface devices. For example, a mobileor pager-sized device may use the reduced-sized keypad of FIG. 7 ratherthan a full-sized POS keyboard. In such implementations, the system 100,200 may provide context-sensitive prompting to support a range ofsupervisory inputs using the keypad 700. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustratesupervisory control processes that can be used to process supervisoryinputs using a terminal with a reduced-sized input device.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flow charts showing data processing steps that may beused in implementations of a system 100, 200 to process supervisory dataand control checkout stations. The processes 300, 400 are suitable foruse with limited display and input capability supervisory terminals. Forexample, a terminal using a simple touch screen interface may be used.FIGS. 5-7 show representative touch-screen interface displays that canbe used on a handheld mobile terminal. The processes 300, 400 enabledisplay of supervisory request to, and processing of inputs by, asupervisor, using the displays 500, 600, 700.

The processes 300 is initiated when the supervisory terminal isactivated (i.e., when it is turned on). An initial step performed by theterminal is to determine whether intervention of a supervisor isrequired (step 301). This determination may be made, e.g., based on dataexchanged with communication controller 122-126, 222 to determinewhether there are any outstanding supervisory request. If interventionis not required, a lane (i.e., checkout station) selection screen 500may be displayed, allowing the supervisor to initiate control over acheckout station. On the other hand, if supervisory intervention isrequired, a message requesting intervention is displayed at thesupervisory terminals (step 302). The terminal may then display the laneselection screen 500 allowing the supervisor to accept the request or toinitiate control of a different terminal (step 303). If there is anoutstanding intervention request, a text display area 501 of the screen500 may display an indication of the request.

If there is an outstanding request, then, using keys 700 on theterminal, the supervisor can either ignore the request, select the laneto be serviced, select an alternative lane to control, or close theprogram (i.e., reject the request)(step 304). If the supervisor rejectsthe request (i.e., selects a “close the program” function or reject key)(step 305), a corresponding signal is sent to the controller 122-126,222 and the terminal is returned to a normal operations mode. In someimplementations, the controller 122-126, 222 may route a rejectedrequest to a different one of the supervisory terminals or re-initiatethe request.

On the other hand, if the supervisor accepts a request for service froma lane, the terminal determines whether the request relates to a simpletransaction, such as a weight violation, that can be displayed andresponded to using a fixed display interface, or whether more complexprompting will be needed (step 306). If, for example, there is a weightviolation, a weight violation screen 600 (FIG. 6) is displayed (step308). The interface 600 may remain displayed until the violation iscleared by the customer or from another supervisory terminal (step 309).Clearing of the violation by another can be determined based on messagesexchanged between the terminal and controller 122-126, 222. Asupervisory response, including selecting an “Override” or “Later”function, can be entered using interface 600. If “Override” is selected(step 310), a signal is sent to the controller 122-126, 222 to overridethe weight violation (step 311). If the violation was already cleared orafter the supervisor selects “Later” or “Override”, processing resumesat step 301. In some implementations, other requests may be processedusing simple display screens, such as used for weight violationprocessing.

If a request does not relate to a simple transaction requiring onlysimple input (such as a weight violation), a “Tiny Direct Mode”interface may be invoked (step 307). The “Tiny Direct Mode” interfaceprovides for context-sensitive prompting, allowing a range ofsupervisory functions to be executed using relatively simple input anddisplay devices. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing 400 that maybe used in Tiny Direct Mode. Inputs required in the Tiny Direct Modeprocess 400 may be made using a keypad such as the 14-key keypad 700(FIG. 7). Tiny Direct Mode compensates for the limited inputcapabilities of keypad 700 by displaying short, context-sensitive, textprompts to indicate functions that may be accessed at a particular stagein processing.

Keypad 700 may be a traditional keypad or a graphical keypad displayedon a touch screen. In one implementation, keypad 700 includes ten digitkeys, as well as an “Enter,” “Clear”, “Void”, and “Cancel” key. The“Enter” key confirms operations and can be used to exit Tiny DirectMode, the “Clear” key can be used to clear the last entered number, the“Void” key can be used to accelerate frequent activities such as voidingitems, and the “Cancel” key can be used to interrupt or cease operationsin progress. Other variations of this keypad include, for example,labeling the keys in other languages, or providing labels in differentlanguages on each of the keys.

Returning now to FIG. 4, when Tiny Direct Mode is invoked, thesupervisor terminal displays the 14-key keypad shown in FIG. 4 as wellas a lane number (shown in upper left corner 701) indicating the lanebeing serviced (step 401). Context information indicating to thesupervisor the input that is required is also displayed (step 402). Thecontext information may be a simple text string displayed in, e.g., thetop right corner 702. The context information may be, for example, asimple text string such as “Enter PLU” when a produce look-up code isrequired for a non-barcoded item.

Keypad entry is then accepted (step 403) until either the “Enter” (step404), “Cancel” (step 411), “Void” (step 412), or “Clear” (step 414) keyis pressed, or a barcode is scanned (step 410). As digits are entered,they can be buffered by the terminal and displayed in the display area702.

If the “Enter” key is pressed (step 404), the terminal determineswhether any data (i.e., digits 0-9) was entered (step 405). If not, theterminal determines (based on the type of supervisory request) whetherdata entry is mandatory (step 406). If data entry is mandatory, a beepis emitted (steps 407) and input processing may be resumed at step 403.Otherwise the process 400 is ended and a cancel signal sent to thecontroller 122-126, 222.

If data is entered, or a barcode scanned (step 410), the systemdetermines whether the data is valid in the context of processing thesupervisory request. If the data is valid for the current context, thedata is sent to the controller 122-125, 222 (step 409) and thesimplified supervisory mode is terminated. If the data is not valid forthe current context, a beep is emitted (step 407) and the interfacereturns to accept additional input (step 403). In some implementations,a scanned barcode (step 410) will supersede any data entered by keypad.

If the “Cancel” button is pressed (step 411), the simplified mode 400 isterminated. If the button pressed is “Void” (step 412), the message“Scan Item to Void” is displayed in the context information area 702(step 413). If the “Clear” button is pressed, the number currentlydisplayed in area 702 (entered by pressing the digit keys) is cleared,and the user resumes input (step 403).

FIG. 8 shows a data flow for a identity capture process implementedusing a mobile supervisory terminal. The process 800 may be used, e.g.,to complete a credit payment transaction requiring capture of acustomer's signature or other customer identification. The process 800may be initiated after the customer has self-checked items for purchaseand has indicated that that payment for a purchase is to be made using acredit account.

The process 800 begins with the receipt of a supervisory request messageat a mobile terminal. Steps 301-305 of FIG. 8 are directed to a laneselection operation and may be implemented in a manner that issubstantially identical to that described with respect to steps 301-305of FIG. 3. Following lane selection, the terminal determines whether thesupervisory request message is related to identification capture (step806). If the request was not for an identification capture, the terminalwill proceed with other appropriate processing (step 807). For example,if appropriate, the terminal may proceed at the processing step 306 ofFIG. 3.

If a supervisory request is for an identification capture, anappropriate display or control interface is displayed (step 808). In thecase of a signature capture, the interface may resemble the interfacescreen 900 of FIG. 9. The interface 900 allows a user to input asignature by writing on a touch-sensitive display screen. In the case ofa video image identification, the terminal may include an miniatureintegrated video camera and the display screen may be a window showing apreview of a captured image. In the case of a fingerprint captureterminal, the interface may instruct a user to place a finger on afingerprint sensor integrated with the terminal. Still other interfacesmay be used.

If the customer identification data is successfully captured (e.g., asindicated by selecting the “O.K.” button 901), the data can be returnedto the store controller or the self checkout station (step 809-810).Upon successful receipt of the identification data, the controller maycomplete processing of the credit transaction and store the capturedidentification data in a database for future verification purposes(i.e., as proof of customer authorization). On the other hand, if theidentification data was not successfully captured (e.g., due to atimeout or selection of the “cancel” button 902) (step 809, 811), acapture failure message is returned to the controller. The controllermay then perform exception processing, such as requesting a differentform of payment from the customer, displaying an alert message on asupervisory terminal, or re-initiating a capture operation at adifferent supervisory terminal.

Various changes and modifications to the processes 300, 400, 800 may beused. For example, the interface may return in all cases to accept moreinput instead of returning to normal operations, except when “Cancel” ispressed. Display of the weight violation screen 600 may be replaced byentry into the simplified supervisory mode 400 in a weight violationcontext. Thus, pressing “Enter” would authorize the scanned item andpressing “Cancel” would cause the mobile supervisory terminal interfaceto exit the simplified supervisory mode and to return to normalinterface operation.

Various hardware and software components can be used to implement thesystems 100, 200 and the claimed inventions. The invention may beimplemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus of theinvention may be implemented in a computer program product tangiblyembodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by aprogrammable processor; and method steps of the invention may beperformed by a programmable processor executing a program ofinstructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on inputdata and generating output. The invention may advantageously beimplemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processorcoupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, andat least one output device. Each computer program may be implemented ina high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or inassembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the languagemay be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include,by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from aread-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitablefor tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data includeall forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of examplesemiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memorydevices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks;magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing may besupplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs(application-specific integrated circuits).

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, network interfaces 101, 201 connecting controller 122-126, 222to supervisory terminals may use standard networks, such as Ethernet andIEEE 802.11b data networks, as well as proprietary networks and may alsoinclude multiple network types. Thus, other wired and/or wirelesselectrical connections (e.g. infrared, radio frequency, and others) andchip-level connections can be used. The controllers therefore, may havea number of connections of different types to accommodate all of thecommunication protocols among the supervisory terminals. Steps ofprocesses 300, 400 may be performed in different orders, additionalsteps may be added, or some removed. Accordingly, other embodiments arewithin the scope of the claims.

1. A self-checkout system comprising: a self-checkout station configuredfor customer-operated self-checkout of items for purchase; a pluralityof supervisory terminals comprising stored program instructions thatconfigure the supervisory terminals to conduct supervisory activitiescontrolling operation of the self-checkout station, at least one of thesupervisory terminals being a mobile data terminal comprising a wirelessnetwork interface and a user identification capture interface; and acontroller operatively coupling the plurality of supervisory terminalsto the self-checkout station and comprising stored program instructionsto coordinate operation of the plurality of supervisory terminals toenable more than one of said supervisory terminals to conductsupervisory operations controlling operation of the self-checkoutstation, said controller further comprising stored program instructionsthat configure the controller to send data over a wireless network tothe mobile terminal instructing the mobile terminal to initiate a useridentification capture operation, said user identification captureoperation being related to a self-checkout transaction.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein: the self-checkout station is one of a plurality ofself-checkout stations and the mobile terminal is operatively coupled tothe plurality of self-checkout stations; the data sent to the mobileterminal to initiate the user identification capture comprises dataidentifying at least one self-checkout station for which customeridentification capture is to be performed.
 3. The system of claim 2wherein the user identification capture operation captures auser-identification comprising identification data other than analpha-numeric keypad input.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein theuser-identification further comprises an alpha-numeric keypad input. 5.The system of claim 3 wherein the user identification capture interfacecomprises a signature capture interface and the user identification datacomprises a representation of a captured signature.
 6. The system ofclaim 3 wherein the user identification capture interface comprises aninterface selected from the group consisting of a biometric data captureinterface and an image capture interface.
 7. The system of claim 3wherein initiating user identification capture comprises displaying onthe mobile terminal a self-checkout station selection interface.
 8. Thesystem of claim 3 wherein: the controller is one of a plurality ofcontrollers; each self-checkout station comprises a co-located one ofthe plurality of controllers; and each of the controllers is operativelycoupled to the data terminal.
 9. The system of claim 3, wherein: thecontroller is a shared controller operatively coupled to each of theplurality of self-checkout stations; and the controller is configured toadminister user identification capture for multiple ones of theplurality of self-checkout stations.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein:the mobile data terminal is one of a plurality of supervisory terminals;a first one of the supervisory terminals is operatively coupled to thecontroller by a wireless data network; and a second one of thesupervisory terminals is operatively coupled to the controller by awired data network.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the mobile dataterminal is a battery operated mobile supervisory device.
 12. The systemof claim 2 wherein the mobile data terminal comprises a card readerconfigured to clear a weight violation at the self-checkout station inresponse to a reading of an authorization card.
 13. The system of claim3, wherein: the mobile data terminal and the controller interoperate toperform a plurality of supervisory functions associated with customerself-checkout at the self-checkout station; the supervisory functionscomprise processing of a payment transaction comprising a useridentification capture operation.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein:the payment transaction comprises a payment type selected from the groupconsisting of a credit card payment, a debit card payment, and anelectronic funds transfer payment; and the user identification captureoperation comprises receiving a signature input at the mobile dataterminal.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein: the controller comprises aprocessor operatively coupled to a program storage device comprising thestored program instructions.